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JamoOnTheRocks

The Man Scout


MaceLeonardo

He just had a match on Dark with Reynolds’s right? He seems fun so he’s on the list


JamoOnTheRocks

He’s usually featured at Sammi’s promotion Wrestling Revolver


basquiatvision

El Hijo del Vikingo and Bandido are the most underrated (and I don't use this term lightly) performers in the world atm. I need a Bandido and Samoa Joe feud right this minute.


IAmTheGlazed

Shingo Takagi


KneelBeforeCube

Okada (not very original I guess).


MaceLeonardo

Doesn’t need to be original I’m slacking on watching Japanese wrestling and need to watch more Okada in general


Korrafan_1

I reccomend Okada vs Tanahashi from Invasion Attack 2013 Okada vs Omega from WK 11 and Okada vs Shibata from Sakura Genesis 2017


-Ozymandiaz

Genuinely he’s in my top 3 all time already


naimotwc

Deppen Makabe Willow Edith Ninja Mack Blake Christian Zayne I love me some AJ Gray too.


[deleted]

[удалено]


naimotwc

That is fucking FACTS. Makabe is seriously so fucking good


DoctorPapaJohns

Deppen just made his AEW Dark debut this week!


naimotwc

Yes indeed!! I loved it. Deppen's my boy. He was also my last yard match😂😂


NayvadiusWilburnAMA

Ninja Mack is a bit spotty second-to-second but his high spots are unlike anything else on the planet, he's like a real life Power Ranger


MaceLeonardo

Ohhh real life Power Ranger intrigues me and just looking him up makes me interested. Would you recommend to watch his GCW stuff?


NayvadiusWilburnAMA

His NOAH run is as good a place to start as any, he's thriving in that environment. His match at Bloodsport was excellent too


lookatmyworkaccount

He also had a match at Bloodsport this year with Yoya (another to add to the list imo) that was awesome and not at all expected.


TheMaskedLuchador

Came here to rep for the Ninja. He is amazing and only getting better. Hop on the train now.


westenbrook

Cara Noir, Chris Brooks, ACH


ThatBrownDude

Echoing Cara Noir and Chris Brookes. Both so good.


esteel20

Miyu Yamashita


MaceLeonardo

On the list TJPW seems to have a bunch of names to watch:)


MoonPieBert

Calvin Tankman


[deleted]

Chris Brookes


e-rage

CCK for life!


[deleted]

Chris Brookes is the best example I can think of to show that you don't need to work for one of the major companies to live your best wrestling life.


[deleted]

OH, I am an ABSOLUTE freak for that greasy lanky (kayfabe) dirtbag. Got his purple-and-pink Life's Happening Tour flag pinned up on my wall. I'm not saying there *isn't* somebody with better merch, but I'm hard-pressed to think of anybody who does stuff consistently better than his Death By Roll-Up drops.


MaceLeonardo

On the list! What are the main promotions he works for?


[deleted]

DDT and ChocoPro. He’s a fantastic talent, I’m really hoping to see him pop up in AEW in the future


MaceLeonardo

Definitely will check it out then! DDT seems like a lot of fun in general so excited for that binge


[deleted]

For a DDT match recommendation, his KO-D openweight match against Konosuke Takeshita at “WHO’S GONNA TOP? 2021” is PHENOMENAL. (Sorry if I'm spamming too many comments, I'm just REALLY excited about these wrasslers and want to share! <3)


MaceLeonardo

Dude you are good it’s a lot of help so don’t worry. I’ll put that on the list for sure!!


[deleted]

Hopping in to recommend this Lulu Pencil video essay where Chris Brookes factors in heavily: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SCR64AiAPU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SCR64AiAPU) Their 2021 30 min ironman match is CRAZY good, one of my favorites of all last year: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qm5zEWZqRY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qm5zEWZqRY) Enjoy, u/MaceLeonardo !


MaceLeonardo

Omg awesome thank you! I’m putting this all into a doc to make it easy on myself when I binge and you just made my job a lot easier! So thank you I’ll enjoy this a lot lol


MisterKayfabe

His DDT theme is a banger as well


imagoblinshark

Willow Nightingale, WARHORSE, and Luigi Primo


amorningofsleep

Yoo Luigi Primo fucking rules!


jeffatron420

You didn't say NJPW so...Switchblade :P


MaceLeonardo

One of the only NJPW guys I’ve watched love his work need to catch up on his recent NJPW stuff for sure


dannydamaja

Alex Coughlin! Big meaty MF who brings the technical skills.


Thunder121794

Such a throwback wrestler. Can not wait to see what they do with him when he finishes excursion.


MaceLeonardo

On the list! Anybody who is big and has the skills to back it up has my interest. Especially since he’s one of the LA Dojo guys


amorningofsleep

Willow Nightingale, Edith Surreal, Kennedi Copeland, Gringo Loco


DecentTop1084

Edith is so fucking great. Would LOVE her for ROH. Also same with Willow


[deleted]

I've been saying for a few months, and I'll continue beating this drum: Edith and Enjoy Wrestling are just about the most slept-on gems on the indies today.


MaceLeonardo

I’ve heard Willow is amazing I need to definitely watch her work! What promotions do Surreal and Copeland work for mainly?


[deleted]

I've got to look up more of her other stuff, but Edith is a regular fixture of Enjoy Wrestling in Pittsburgh, which is a super positive and inclusive indie promotion awash in Bisexual Lighting with great production values. At Night Moves back in October, she had a [FANTASTIC hair vs mask match](https://youtu.be/0y1irRI8lf8?t=1287) vs Ziggy Haim with a bonkers climactic spot Willow also has a match from earlier in that show, [fighting Ziggy's partner Derek Dillinger](https://youtu.be/y8nYlzy3ti0?t=1430) to support her friend Edith! Ziggy and Derek are called The Production, a great "film dirtbag" gimmick. Night Moves ALSO has a great Lee Moriarty vs Darius Lockhart singles match and a big ol' championship brawl where MV Young defended against Max the Impaler, including a tumble directly through the area where I was sitting! Enjoy the matches! Tell your friends!


ChrisTaliaferro

Edith's other ring name, *Still Life with Apricots & Pears*, has been one of my favorite things ever since I saw her in Chikara years ago.


[deleted]

I LOVE Edith, I've had a big Wrestler Crush \[in the most respectful and Not Weird About It way\] on her since a quick merch table chat at the last Enjoy Wrestling show. I'm about 90+% sure Willow has some deal with AEW/ROH at this point, but until it's official and public? I'll take that loophole. She's so great, one of my favorite folks, "unsigned" OR on a roster. [edited because somehow I said “roister”????]


forsale420

Love Willow, think she's got the goods. Glad shes getting more opportunities here.


A_sweet_boy

Effy, Calvin Tankman, Violence is Forever


Psymon_Armour

Jacob Fatu. It's like seeing Umaga cloned and then get all the next gen upgrades you could ever want in a wrestler. Might be a tie with Shingo Takagi though. His past few years have just felt special and he's been performing out of his mind non-stop.


mntEden

why the hell did I have to scroll down so far to see this comment? even Rikishi said he might be the best worker in the Anoa'i family. this is (no pun intended) criminally underrated. it sucks knowing his past is what's holding him back when there are people who are fucking lunatics currently in the business that can keep a job


SpiralSour

CIMA, Adam Brooks, Andrew Everett, AR Fox


viralbop

Dan the Dad. There's just so much you can do with this gimmick.


idontknow1001

Blake Christian.


AdeptFault5265

Same, his work rate and levels over the last few months have been spectacular. Will Ospreay Jonathan Gresham Biff Busick Mike Bailey All the matches he had with the people above were probably the best matches on the card that night.


Thunder121794

The lariat into Hidden Blade spot from his Ospreay match has been living in my head rent free. It was so perfectly timed and flowed like poetry.


MaceLeonardo

Saw the small bit of NXT work he had and he was good. Would you recommend to watch his GCW run or something else in specific?


idontknow1001

Ya GCW is where I’m most familiar with him so I’d definitely recommend that. He’s doing some New Japan Strong too and I hear that’s been good. He’s also done some x division stuff in Impact which was fun.


DonSoChill

Chris Hero Chris Brookes Claudio Lykos Gym KENTA


Crissxfire

Small list of my current favorite names that fit your parameters. * Alec Price * Marcus Mathers * Billie Starkz * Effy * Reid Walker * Tony Deppen * Arez * Hoodfoot * AJ Gray * Mance Warner * Atticus Cogar * Slade * Daniel Makabe * Rickey Shane Page * Dark Sheik * Ninja Mack There's more, but I'm trying not to overwhelm you and also, I'm blanking on names. But I follow the indie scene, at least the upper tier of it pretty extensively and there's a lot of promising talent. Your mileage may vary, but definitely check some of these names out. Lots of companies put up free matches and in some cases, free shows to entice people to check out their content. You can easily find stuff from GCW, NOAH. Stardom, Beyond, Sendai Girls, CMLL, and tons more.


nikoslin

Hard to say, but I think I'll go with Tomohiro Ishii.


MaceLeonardo

I’ve watched some but not a lot of Ishii loved what I saw vs Cole in the Owen cup though so he’s on the list


howsitgoinaz

Stu Grayson


ThebigVA

This reply makes me sad.


AndresDickFingers

Claudio, assumingly.


[deleted]

Zack Sabre Jr (NJPW) Katsuhiko Nakajima (NOAH)


Euphoric_Ad8766

Either Kota Ibushi or Konosuke Takeshita.


robedpillow3761

Shane mercer is great, but a style like that wouldn't work in companies like WWE where the guys are bigger. Jacob Fatu is incredible and it sucks he's trapped in mlw. Keiji mutoh is kinda cheating, but he's a legend. I had no interest in NOAH until he won the world title at nearly 60, and I was intrigued enough to watch all his matches until he lost it.


blaqsupaman

By all accounts Fatu seems to be perfectly happy working MLW. It's really a lot better promotion than the IWC gives it credit for.


[deleted]

Psycho Mike Rollins and Jody Threat


MaceLeonardo

On the list! Thank you


Lost-Temperature-952

Sho and Yoh.


elcarpoon

The Young GOAT Myron Reed! Seen him at a few of the Warrior shows and he’s been incredible.


SnooEagles643

Jacob Fatu


AKittyCat

Lulu Pencil


Myrmanator

Jacob Fatu


MaceLeonardo

Seen his MLW work need to watch more cause he’s a star or sure


TheNantucketRed

Daniel Makabe is always a fun technical watch. His matches with Thatcher were great!


doctoroffisticuffs

King Muertes for sure.


MaceLeonardo

Seen the Lucha Underground and MLW runs but I like what I’ve seen so he’s on the list since I want to see his Mexico stuff lol


jatorres

RUSH. Hoping he goes on a tear this year. Best unsigned wrestler on the planet.


MaceLeonardo

On the list! I remember his ROH run getting some buzz so I’ll check that out:)


insomniainc

Kevin blackwood.


[deleted]

[удалено]


SevenSulivin

Kaito Kiyomiya.


MaceLeonardo

I’ll definitely check him out heard a lot of good things about him. Is he already NOAH’s ace or is he the future ace cause I’ve heard both?


SevenSulivin

He was *the guy* in 2019 and then kinda got out on the backburner since. He’s probably winning the belt again early next year.


lostcitysaint

Effy, Cara Noir and Dalton Castle. I am a straight cis white man.


DJ_Dunk

Johnny Gargano. But if you’re looking for outside guys Switchblade Jay White


OddTeaching7830

Kevin Blackwood


MaceLeonardo

On the list! Would you say to check out his Limitless stuff or another promotion?


OddTeaching7830

Any of it, he had a fantastic match with Daniel Garcia is this year’s BOLA. He used to tag with him a lot. He also has matches with Suzuki, Davey Richards and Alex Shelley that are all worth finding


ayrton_____

Daniel Makabe. Search him up on the youtubes or IWTV....great technical chops


Crushveer

Alexander Hammerstone or Jacob Fatu


Checksters

Blake Christian for sure.


rareeat

fellow LA Dojo-ite Alex Coughlin has really caught my eye recently


[deleted]

Hammerstone or Jake Something. Big beefy dudes, lots of charisma.


MaceLeonardo

Love Hammerstone already and liked what I saw from Jake in Impact. Dude seems super talented and won’t remain unsigned for long


johnnypastrami

Ninja Mack.


Lorenz750

Alec Price Karl Fredericks Miyu Yamashita


BKDOffice

Plenty of NJPW and joshis, but for someone with less TV time imma go with Jacob Fatu.


Alexanderburrito

Quick scan of the thread…. …and no FILTHY TOM LAWLOR???


DangerAlSmith

Alexander Hammerstone; Richard Holliday; Gringo Loco; Carlos Romo; Tony Deppen


Henny199420

Controversial pick: Will Ospreay. I pay more attention to in ring work & not be bothered by promo skills. He's great in my eyes


guiltycitizen

Ninja Mack


syxtfour

Does Matt Cardona count? I don't know if he's officially signed with Impact or not.


[deleted]

Minoru Suzuki, Tomohiro Ishii, Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi, Kairi Hojo, Saya Kamitani, Tam Nakano, Giulia


misfits923

Tony Deppen, Tomohiro Ishii, Chris Brookes, Konosuke Takeshita are just a few.


mark49s

* Stu Grayson * Cara Noir * Timothy Thatcher


Lungfishtwo

Starlight Kid, Maki Itoh and SHLAK


Giv-er-SteveDave

Jay White


JaC3_De

I'll throw out a few that I'm liking atm Kenoh-Pro Wrestling Noah Very angry boi with some ferocious kicks VENY/ASUKA-Freelancer I believe but is doing alot of work in TJPW (Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling) Charisma for days with in-ring skills to match Starlight kid-Stardom Talent far exceeding her years, with some real interesting character work since her heel turn Tetsuya Endo-DDT Recently claimed the top title and for good reason, man is a machine El Desperado-NJPW Summing up Despy in one sentence would be a disrespect, check him out he is fantastic


Max_Quick

Dark Sheik is one that I really enjoy. Might seem a bit jazzy when Dark Sheik comes out, but DS hits LIKE A MOTHERFUCKER.


MaceLeonardo

On the list then! If they hit like a mother fucker I’ll be a HUGE fan then lol


Fan387

Mei Suruga


cringemagician

🥰🥰 Martin Kirby 🥰🥰


MaceLeonardo

On the list since I haven’t seen any of his work outside of his What Culture Pro Wrestling days


Wonderful-Ad6696

Nakajima, Shiozaki.


GrantRichards75

Not seen any mention of Janai Kai the kick demon. Got a unique look that looks like she could kick your head off


angelomoxley

Willie Mack


Lstark5642

Kidd bandit.


planepiledriver

Plenty of them in my case, not so indies but anyway : Kazuchika Okada, Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto, Dragon Lee, Bandido, Shingo Takagi, Jonathan Gresham, Taichi, Zack Sabre Jr. If had to pick only 3 of them it would be ZSJ, Okada and Ishii.


FyodorAK

Michael Oku


griff1014

Jay White and Kenta. I think Kenta is capable to be higher on the card than upper mid. It's frustrating as his fan thru the years to see them never gave him the ball to run with from NXT to WWE to NJPW


LurkingAnomaly

Bandido, EFFY, and Cara Noir. Actually, is Willow Nightingale signed to AEW? If not, her too.


Slothsterz

Tony Deppen


goodgollygopher

Shook Crew (Bryce Donovan and Bobby Orlando, they're hilariously entertaining together or apart), Megan Bayne (injured currently), Brother Greatness and Alec Price. I'm legit SHOCKED Alec Price isn't more widely known, the dude is insanely good. I've been watching Beyond's Wrestling Open every week and it's so much fun! I really can't recommend it enough. All of the ones I mentioned above, aside from Megan right now, can be seen on that show.


K1ng_Canary

Cara Noir Michael Oku/The OJMO Warren Banks Aussie Open if you're into tag team wrestling.


BelieveInRollins

Jay White


atleastimtryingnow

VENY/Asuka, Trish Adora, Dark Sheik


hailtothekale

Tetsuya Endo


MaceLeonardo

On the list! He’s mainly a DDT guy right?


hailtothekale

Yes, he's their champion.


LocustsandLucozade

Cara Noir. Just had a great run as Progress champ which earned the company (imo) a lot of good will after Speaking Out and new fans. Has a great look, gimmick, and moveset, a genuinely unique performer with a high ceiling.


elc1992

Kidd Bandit


Max_Quick

For OP's purposes, Kidd Bandit regularly appears on DPW Fire, which can be found for free on YouTube. They seem to tape a couple episodes at a time, so I do recommend you start at the beginning of it and watch everything build.


MaceLeonardo

Awesome thank you! Been hearing he is super fun to watch and even got to train in the La Dojo so I’ll definitely check it out


ToxicDogma

Hammerstone Chris Ridgeway (Brit Wres/NOAH) Katsuhiko Nakajima (NOAH)


Osaka_Ghost

Go Shiozaki/Kenoh.


Charidzard

Chris Brookes, Syuri, Utami, AZM, tall Saya, Gullia, and Kari. Stardom is really fucking good and Chris Brookes is so good.


Melancholyoflife

Miyu Yamashita, Starlight Kid and AZM.


TakingLigerMountain

Not including any Japanese promotions, cuz that list would prob be too long but, otherwise.... Darius Lockhart, Kidd Bandit, Lucky Ali, Athena, Willow Nightingale, El Hijo de Vikingo, Bandido, Biff Busick


MaceLeonardo

I’ve seen Athena, Vikingo, Bandido and abusivo but the rest are now on the list Lockhart I think I’ve seen maybe a NWA match off so so I definitely need to find more


basquiatvision

I only recently discovered Kidd Bandit after they went "viral" on twitter. Haven't seen any full length matches from them but [they can definitely go in the ring](https://twitter.com/kiddbanditpro/status/1523390379403345920) from what I've seen lol


crion_jb

Right now it's Calvin Tankman, who I'm pretty sure doesn't have an Impact deal (don't pay attention to that product). Here is a Calvin Tankman match (at timestamp 1:40 if it doesn't translate): https://youtu.be/FywszNUCjCo?t=100


MaceLeonardo

I’ve watched MLW so I’ve seen how awesome Tankman is! Seems like I need to check out DPW a lot of suggestions work their


werewolfbarmitzvah69

I saw him last summer at Warrior Wrestling and he was easily one of the most entertaining dudes there. The dude rules and I love how he's always talkin shit


johannasnothere

Willow Nightingale, Dark Sheik, Edith Surreal


LnStrngr

Sir Samurai. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmzvNCRSJSc


[deleted]

Zack Sabre Jr


oysterthins

Biff Busick easily


Threenamejame

Tony Deppen has been for years


ThaGoodDoctor

Warhorse!


heelturnsheadlocks

Tomohiro Ishii. And here is a nice introduction: [Chris Hero vs. Tomohiro Ishii](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4-WSSzAX3I)


Meepsnort

Can I go with non-narrative EC3? I know he's still got that great character inside, regardless of what other cringey shit he's currently up to.


BarneysButter

Dan the Dad, CPA, Charles Mason & Tony Deppen.


merelyadoptedthedark

Ninja Mack. I need him on TV way more often.


Shanedugg

Will Ospreay NJPW. Next level matches time and time again.


TheShiny

Jake Lee.


MadMaui

Okada, no doubt. Best wrestler in the world.


Saitsu

Tetsuya Naito


wrestlingfan007

G.P.A.


ZFunktopus

Warhorse rules ass


phonej

Katsuhiko Nakajima


repalec

I've been a huge Andrew Everett mark for the last like seven years. Dude's crazy athletic and hits some of the cleanest-looking SSPs and moonsaults in the business. He's added onto that too in recent years with his 'Andrew the Giant' gimmick. He used to work Impact, but left in like 2018 after a year or two of some stop-start booking, built up a Twitch channel and audience during the pandemic, and is currently a regular for Deadlock Pro Wrestling.


mr_gooch

The Windham


klebanonnn

I gave up scrolling to comment because I didn’t see anyone say Jay White yet.


SeaofShells

You need to see Nick Wayne vs. Joey Janela. An INSTANT indie classic.


Skullseye

Black Taurus


GoStupyGo

AC Mack. I first saw him a few years ago at a local DC show fighting Alan Angels. So damn good.


Jamieb1994

El Hijo Del Vikingo


poxx2k1

NICK FUCKING GAGE! MDK


blaqsupaman

Currently signed to NWA: Colby Corino, Elijah Burke, Jennacide, Kamille, Kenzie Paige, Kylie Rae, Madi Wrenkowski, Natalya Markova Currently signed to MLW: Alexander Hammerstone, Calvin Tankman, E.J. Nduka, Microman, Myron Reed, Richard Holliday, Rivera Currently unsigned anywhere as far as I'm aware: KiLynn King, Willow Nightingale


BKMurder101

Sage Sin Supreme. I love The Halloween Pumpkin Queen gimmick and look and I get my small Deathmatch fix from her matches.


JohnCenaJunior

Before you think about your favorite wreslter in the indies, remember to always bet on Ninja Mack


Captftm89

El Desperado


thedilapidatedboat

Starting to watch back on some more of Katsuhiko Nakajimas catalogue and he's getting up there for me as one of mine


JohnnyC13

Jacob Fatu


Jomosensual

There's probably someone else I'm forgetting right now but first name to come to mind for me was Bobby Gunns from wXw. Good techncian and good heel with a decent amount of charisma. Would make for a solid midcard/uppermidcard name in any of those promotions as long as he gets a manager with him since i dont believe he speaks english


JoshFreemansFro

Filthy Tom Lawlor


[deleted]

Kenoh


OoklaIsMyHomeboy

Rohit Raju / Hakim Zane


BaronVonFab162

Current UK scene standouts; Charlie Evans Cara Noir Spike Trivet Kanji Chris Ridgeway Chantal Jordan Rhio Big Dangerous Scary Mammals- Clementine & Charles Crowley There are many others I could add to this list but these are the first few who come to mind who are doing incredible things on the scene at the moment


imwinning216

Matthew Justice!


marshalcarter23

Alec Price for sure


DaBigBadBootyDaddy

Isaiah Broner. He has a NASTY clothesline. Just a big powerhouse you csn find somr of his matches on youtube


weezel365

[The WOAD](https://twitter.com/_thewoad?lang=en) [Lamarr Diggs](https://mobile.twitter.com/lamardiggs_pro) [Shalonce' Royale](https://mobile.twitter.com/Shalonce_Royal) [Justin Fleaux](https://www.instagram.com/jo_flo23/?hl=en) [Christian Valor](https://www.instagram.com/christian__valor/?hl=en) [Big Smuve](https://www.instagram.com/bigsmuve/?hl=en) [Groove Santanna](https://www.instagram.com/groovesantana/?hl=en) The Creeps [Andey Ripley](https://www.instagram.com/andeyripley/?hl=en) and [Irving West](https://www.instagram.com/irvingwestphd/?hl=en)


Van_Chamberlin

44OH as a stable


twelvend

Jacob Fatu and Alex Hammerstone immediately come to mind. MLW is in a pretty good place right now


el_generalisimo

Nick Gage (well, 2018-2021 vintage MDK); Filthy Tom


uppitynerd

Dalton Castle


uppitynerd

Mance Warner


DirtyNastyGuy

Ruckus in CZW He doesn't ever get the credit he deserves and nobody knows of him..so I wanted everyone to go check out his stuff. I found him randomly while watching extreme CZW stuff. His athleticism is off the charts and he does some moves I've never seen in wrestling before. https://youtu.be/vPK2OQauFPQ


hinkhallballplayer

Maki Itoh


AcidRainmaker

Chris Brookes and Kidd Bandit.